Aston Villa have been given a January tonic with the news that captain Steve Staunton is back in full training.
Staunton has made a swift return only two weeks after undergoing a double hernia operation.
The former Republic of Ireland skipper has missed the last four matches but is keeping his fingers crossed he will be selected for Saturday's home game with Tottenham.
Staunton said: "It's down to the manager. I joined in training with the lads on Wednesday and it went well and now we will wait and see."
Fellow defender Mark Delaney, last season's player of the year, is also back on the training ground after breaking his foot when in action for Wales in Azerbaijan in mid-November.
He is unlikely to feature against Tottenham but a reserve-team comeback against Sheffield Wednesday next Wednesday is on the agenda.
He said: "It's so good to get back out with the lads again. I can't see myself playing on Saturday after just two days back involved.
"It's more likely that we're looking at the reserve game next week and then hopefully I'll be involved the following weekend at Middlesbrough."